Rats are one of the only creatures, including Chickens, Rabbits and Frogs, that can be fought without them fighting back. This makes them good in helping novices figure out the Combat System. They do not have any byproducts, cannot be wrung by their neck, and can be picked up by right-clicking them.

Rats can only be found at night. Rarely, they are found randomly in a Cellar, triggering the "Monster in the Cellar" Lore.

Rats can be made into Rat on a Stick, which provides an efficient source of FEPs and Energy early-on.